Cusco in March
Visiting Cusco in March: weather, festivals, what to do in the city, which treks and day hikes are open, crowds and what to pack.
By J. José Rodríguez, Founder / CEO
March is still rainy, often one of the wettest months, but the showers ease toward the end of the month and sunny spells get longer. March is quiet and green, with the Inca Trail open again from March 1. Choose the second half of the month for better weather, and check the Holy Week dates. This guide, from our team in Cusco, covers the weather, what is on, what to do, which treks are open and how to plan your trip in March.
Cusco in March at a glance
| Season | Rainy season |
| Temperature | Average high 20 °C, low 8 °C |
| Rain | 106 mm on average, on about 16 days |
| Crowds | Low; busier when Holy Week falls in March |
| Machu Picchu high-season capacity dates | 2027: March 25–28 (Holy Week) |
| Inca Trail | Open |
1991–2020 averages for the Cusco airport weather station (WMO climate normals, NOAA). High hikes such as Rainbow Mountain and Humantay are much colder.
Weather in Cusco in March
March is still rainy, often one of the wettest months, but the showers ease toward the end of the month and sunny spells get longer. Nights are mild for Cusco. The landscape is at its greenest.
Cusco sits at 3,400 m, so the sun is strong even on cool days and nights are always colder than you expect. Machu Picchu, about 1,000 m lower, is warmer and more humid. See Machu Picchu in March for the weather there.
Is March a good time to visit Cusco?
March is quiet and green, with the Inca Trail open again from March 1. Choose the second half of the month for better weather, and check the Holy Week dates.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| The Inca Trail reopens | Still rainy, especially early in the month |
| Few visitors outside Holy Week | Muddy trails |
| Very green landscapes | Holy Week brings short-notice crowds |
| Easy availability |
Festivals and events in March
- Inca Trail reopening (March 1): the trail reopens after its February maintenance.
- Holy Week (March 2027: March 21–28): processions in Cusco, including the Señor de los Temblores on Holy Monday, the city’s most important religious procession. Easter 2027 is on March 28.
- Carnival: some years it falls in early March.
Things to do in Cusco in March
- See Sacsayhuamán and the sites above the city on a bright morning.
- Hike the Inca Trail, open again and freshly maintained from March 1.
- Visit the Sacred Valley and the Maras salt ponds.
- Watch the Holy Week processions when Easter falls in March.
For more ideas, see our Cusco tours and the Cusco city tour.
Treks and day hikes in March
| Trek or hike | Conditions in March |
|---|---|
| Classic Inca Trail | Open; muddy and rainy |
| Salkantay Trek | Open; snow possible at the pass |
| Lares Trek | Open; wet trails |
| Rainbow Mountain | Possible; clouds or snow can hide the colors |
| Humantay Lake | Open; slippery trail, lake often in clouds |
| Ausangate | Not recommended; heavy rain and snow |
Compare the multi-day routes in best treks to Machu Picchu and Inca Trail vs Salkantay.
Crowds, prices and booking in March
Low; busier when Holy Week falls in March. Outside the holiday dates, you can usually book a week or two ahead, and hotel prices are lower.
On the Ministry of Culture’s high-season dates, Machu Picchu admits up to 5,600 visitors a day instead of 4,500. In March those dates are: 2027: March 25–28 (Holy Week).
Tips for Cusco in March
- Check the Easter date before you book; in 2027 Holy Week is in March.
- Choose the second half of March if you can.
- Bring rain pants if you are trekking.
- Take it easy on your first day: Cusco is at 3,400 m. Read our altitude guide.
Other months
Comparing dates? Read Cusco in February and Cusco in April, or see the whole year in our best time to visit Machu Picchu guide.
Tours
Plan this with a local team
Cusco day tour
Cusco City Tour
Half-day guided tour of Cusco: Qoricancha, the Cathedral, Sacsayhuamán and three nearby Inca sites. All entrance tickets included.
Cusco day tour
Sacred Valley Tour
Full-day tour of the Sacred Valley of the Incas with buffet lunch and every entrance fee included. Classic or Maras & Moray route.
Machu Picchu journey
Machu Picchu 2 Days
Spend a night in Aguas Calientes and enter Machu Picchu early. Train, hotel, subject to availability ticket and guide included. Huayna Picchu add-on available.
Frequently asked questions
Quick answers
Is March a good time to visit Cusco?
Yes, for a quiet, green trip. It is still the rainy season, so bring rain gear and plan some flexibility.
When is Holy Week in 2027?
From March 21 to 28, 2027 (Easter Sunday is March 28). The Señor de los Temblores procession is on Holy Monday, March 22.
Is the Inca Trail open in March?
Yes. It reopens on March 1 after the February closure.
What should I pack for Cusco in March?
Layers, a waterproof jacket or poncho, shoes with good grip, sunscreen and a warm layer for the evenings.